VideoNEW
Podcasts
Blogs
Pellizotti takes out Italian nationals in Trentino
Franco Pellizotti took his first professional win since returning from a drug-related suspension with a solo victory at the Italian National Road Race, in Trentino, Italy.
Related Stories
Since my comeback, today’s race was my main focus. Honestly, I considered myself a favorite for this race, as I was feeling really good - and in the penultimate lap, I realized I was the strongest in the uphill sections, and so I went for it. It was a beautiful victory.
Danilo Di Luca took second place by out-sprinting rising talent Moreno Moser, who again showed off his future promise on a grueling Trentino course.
Everybody knew the Valsugana’s route was very severe, but pouring rain throughout the whole morning time made it that much tougher for the gruppo – and only 16 riders made it to the finish.
Pellizotti broke clear on the final lap of the course and quickly distances the leading Liquigas-Cannondale pair of Vincenzo Nibali and Moreno Moser.
A group of three riders; Danilo di Luca, Giampolo Caruso and Moser tried to bridge to Pellizotti, but the Italian was too strong, and finished with a 27 second lead.
Pellizotti was awarded the famous tricolore which as national champion he has the honour of wearing for the next 12 months.
Pellizotti returned to competition in May.
Results
1 Franco Pellizotti (Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela) 6hr 43min 12sec
2 Danilo di Luca (Acqua & Sapone) + 0.27
3 Moreno Moser (Liquigas-Cannondale)
4 Giampolo Caruso (Katusha)
5 Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) + 2.11
6 Michele Scarponi (Lampre-ISD) + 2.13
7 Simone Ponzi (Astana) + 2.30
8 Daniele Ratto (Liquigas-Cannondale) + 3.11
9 Francesco Gavazzi (Astana)
10 Matteo Rabottini (Farnese Vini-Selle Italia)
